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Valverde thrilled to be an All-Star in Arizona
Photo by Jon Willey
By Greg Dillard
For five seasons, he won the hearts of Arizona fans with his electric fastball and entertaining antics on the mound. He led the league in saves with 47 in 2007, and the flamethrower’s eclectic arsenal of pitches made him the dominant closer in the D-backs’ bullpen.
Cano wins State Farm All-Star HR Derby
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
It was power on power, Yankees vs. Red Sox… The 2011 State Farm Home Run Derby featured a battle between two arch division rivals in Robinson Cano and Adrian Gonzalez. Continue reading
Quentin back in AZ as A.L. All-Star
Photo by Barry Gossage
By Josh Greene
It’s been a few years since 2011 American League All-Star Carlos Quentin last wore Sedona red for the D-backs, but that doesn’t mean Arizona doesn’t hold some sweet memories for the White Sox outfielder. Continue reading
Goldschmidt starts in Futures Game
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
Paul Goldschmidt’s hitting approach is simple. Execute good at-bats and good things will happen. That outlook has yielded eye-catching results throughout 2011.
Through the first half of the season, he’s batting .315 with a .630 slugging percentage. Goldschmidt’s also been a run-producing machine by crushing 25 homers and 18 doubles to go with 78 RBI.
Skaggs works scoreless first in Futures debut
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Josh Greene
Representing his hometown parent club in Sunday’s XM All-Star Futures Game, you’d think D-backs pitching prospect Tyler Skaggs’ biggest worry heading into his start for the U.S. team would be the anticipation of taking the mound… versus some of the best hitters on the World team… in front of a national TV audience. Continue reading
Beckham, Harper compete in Futures Game
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
Now in its 13th year, the XM All-Star Futures Game showcases the up-and-coming stars of America’s pastime. Top prospects from all 30 organizations go head-to-head in a battle of elite talent.
The 2011 Futures Game was no different. Both the USA and World rosters were loaded with future Major League stars. The USA team featured a pair of former No 1 overall picks in Tampa Bay’s Tim Beckham and Washington’s Bryce Harper.
Kipnis returns to Arizona for Futures Game
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
The Arizona State baseball program has long produced Major League caliber players. From Reggie Jackson and Barry Bonds to Ike Davis and Brett Wallace, many former Sun Devils have taken their talents to the next level.
In 2011, infielder Jason Kipnis is the latest former Sun Devil to be on the verge of big league success.
Former women’s baseball players attend FanFest
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
During the mid-1940s and into the ‘50s, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League captivated baseball fans throughout the Midwest.
While America was at war and with many young men being drafted, Major League Baseball was at a standstill. Behind financial support from Phillip Wrigley, the women’s league was formed in 1943 and would last until 1954 when it disbanded.
All-Star FanFest underway in Phoenix
All photos by Josh Greene
By Greg Dillard
The 2011 MLB All-Star FanFest is officially underway at the Phoenix Convention Center in Downtown Phoenix.
With 350,000 square feet of interactive baseball entertainment, FanFest provides visitors with an unparalleled baseball experience. The event, which is now in its 21st year, has drawn more than 2,100,000 fans during the past 20 seasons.
All-Star festivities coming to Chase Field
Photo by Jonathan Willey
By Greg Dillard
In the spring of 2009, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Chase Field would play host to the 82nd MLB All-Star Game. Now in 2011, All-Star week is just days away.
It’s bound to be an action-filled experience as many of baseball’s biggest stars gather in the Arizona desert, so D-backs Insider takes a look at some of the upcoming festivities at the ballpark.
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